Competency based interviews are based on the premise that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour.

Interviewers seek to obtain information about candidates past behaviour in certain situations. Competency based interviews are structured, with questions that relate directly to the essential criteria/ competencies required for the post.

What examples should I use?

Ideally choose examples within the last 12 to 18mths to keep them relevant. If you feel there is a better example from previous experience then explain to your interviewer you would prefer to use that example.

What questions will I be asked?

It is likely that the question will start with something like

* Describe a situation when you .....
* Give an example of a time when you .....

It is impossible to guess exact questions, the best way is to fully prepare yourself by knowing the competencies for the role you are going for and have two or three examples for each one.

First impressions count - arrive at the venue around 15 minutes early and report to reception. This time will give you long enough to compose yourself, but not too long to over analyse your impending interview.

How you present yourself will impact your confidence levels during the interview. If you feel good about how professional you look you will feel more positive about being in an interview.

You are going for a position that means you will be representing a blue chip organisation, so be smart in appearance. Make sure you are in corporate business dress code and keep on the conservative side (no comedy ties or socks!)

Introduce yourself to the interviewer's confidently with a firm, professional handshake (no bone crushers or limp, damp efforts)

During the interview maintain eye contact, sit forward and look interested. Smile, engage your interviewer, again you will find this will make the interview flow. If there is more than one person ensure to include all those present.

It is perfectly acceptable to ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify the question, check your understanding so you know you are giving the correct example of the competency the interviewer is looking for.

Once the interview has finished the interviewer will usually ask if you have any questions. It is best to have a few set questions prepared. Not so many that you grill your interviewer!

Close the interview by thanking the interviewer for their time, reiterate your interest in the job and ask when you will hear about the next stage should you be successful.

Once you have left the interview it is advisable to make a note of what went well, some of the questions that where asked and what you might do differently. This will aid if you have a second interview or for preparation for another interview.

Once you have an idea of the competencies, list them and write down 2 or 3 different examples for each one.

Using a S.T.A.R.L format for each example

Situation - paint a picture of the event - enough information so the interviewer understands what you are describing - not so much the interviewers eyes glaze over with boredom

Task - What you identified needed to be done about the situation, the thought process and what decision you came to about how to manage the situation.

Action - What you did about it - if it is a team work example - explain what part you played within the team. If it was an initiative you took to your manager to be implemented, talk around how you persuaded your manager to drive the idea forward.

Result - The outcome of your actions/what happened

Learnt - What you learnt from this experience (what you liked about your decision/what you might do differently)

It is tempting to go off on a tangent as other ideas come to mind - it is important to stick to the point and answer the question specifically. If you have other information you want to offer to the interviewer you can take the opportunity at the end of the interview to discuss those points.


Before the interview - checklist

* Have you done your research on the company and the role?

* Do you have the interview invitation - this will show you who will be interviewing you?

* Do you have a map of how to get to the venue and a route planner?

* Have you checked the traffic reports to see if there might be delays?

* Do you have your brag file with your CV and requested documents, originals and photocopies (Driving Licence Counterpart/Degree Certificate/Passport)?

* Is your suit presentable?

A brag file is made up of physical evidence of success to support what you say about your self at interview.

A hard backed display folder can be used to present your documentation and keeps it protected. Avoid using a ring binder as it is not as professional. There isn't an exact formula to arranging your file but it does need to be in an order that makes it easy to access the relevant information whilst being interviewed.

It is good to take copies of your documents to hand to the interviewing manager if necessary and additional copies should any one else be attending the interview. If you feel there is confidential information, such as an email address, then use a black marker to hide it.Suggested format:

Admin section

* CV - plus 4 copies

* Degree certificate - plus 4 copies

* Paper part of your driving licence - plus 4 copies

* Shadowing report - plus 4 copies

* Written reference from a recent employer and/or your course Tutor - plus 4 copies

You can then section your brag file in competency order for example, Team Work, Drive for results.

You may want to use Duke of Edinburgh Awards, an article about you (maybe raising money for charity for example),Sales figures or commendation emails from your manager or customers from any roles you have done recently (or currently). Sporting Achievements, Community involvement, Academic excellence certificates are all credible and relevant examples of success that would demonstrate transferable skills for the role of a Medical Sales Representative.